Struck from 1/2oz of 99.9% pure silver, it depicts snow covered roofs set against a backdrop of snowflakes falling from the night sky. A silhouette of Santa Claus and his sleigh drawn by reindeer is reflected across the full moon.

Out of the ordinary

But its out of the ordinary aspect is a multimedia portrayal of Santa that can be seen via a smartphone or tablet.

To experience the delightful imagery and music, a collector must first download the free DAQRI application from the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Then by holding their device’s camera over the reverse of the coin (or the picture of the coin provided in the packaging), Santa can be seen delivering the Christmas coin on Christmas Eve!

Demonstration of the ‘augmented reality’ feature offered by this year’s Christmas coin.

Augmented reality

The special effect takes advantage of ‘augmented reality’, by which the view of the real-world through a digital device is supplemented by computer-generated sound and graphics.

A first of its kind for The Perth Mint, this amazing Australian legal tender release is housed in a display case accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity incorporating a Christmas gift tag. Instructions on how to activate the augmented reality Christmas coin are included in the packaging.

Struck from 1/2oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, the coin is issued as Australian legal tender. The reverse of the coloured coin portrays a Christmas tree decorated with festive ornaments against a backdrop of stars with the inscription ‘Merry Christmas’.

With a mintage of 5,000, each coin is presented in a classic display case and beautifully illustrated shipper and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

For your chance to win this stunning coin, simply rearrange the following letters to solve the anagram.

Clue: A popular Christmas carol How to enter: Email your answer to anagram@perthmint.com.au marking your reply ‘December 2013 Anagram Competition’ in the subject line. Please include your name, address and telephone number. Entries close on 6 January 2014. Eligible entrants will be included in the free draw and the winner will be notified by telephone or email.

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We’ve been delving into the tradition of decorated Christmas trees like the one portrayed on our 2013 Christmas coin.

In the past, evergreen shrubs and trees held special meaning for people during the depths of the northern winter. Pine, spruce and yew were used to brighten dwellings around the time of the winter solstice. Some people believed an evergreen sprig above the door would ward off evil spirits.

The first Christmas tree lit with candles is thought to have been the creation of religious reformer Martin Luther. It’s said he was inspired by the vision of stars twinkling among the evergreens on a winter’s night. Erected in Strasbourg Cathedral in 1539, his tree must have been a spectacular sight.

When Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz moved to Britain to marry King George III in 1761, she took with her the German custom of adorning Christmas trees with wax tapers, coloured papers, fruit, trinkets and gifts. This ritual became popular with members of the British court and nobility.

It was not until the middle of the 19th century, however, that the practice became more widespread. Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German-born husband, was particularly instrumental in popularising Christmas trees.

He used glass ornaments, coloured beads and paper baskets with sugared almonds for decoration. In 1848, an engraving of the Royal Family celebrating Christmas at Windsor beneath their dressed tree sparked extensive interest.

2013 Australian Christmas coin issued by The Perth Mint.

Early settlers in the Australian colonies were keen to remind themselves of home at Christmas – but had to make do with native flora. From the 1850s, branches of eucalypt, pink-coloured Christmas bush or scarlet Christmas Bells were used to decorate the house, roof, or veranda.

These days, local cultivation of traditional Christmas trees means that Australians tend to follow the original German custom more closely, using a mesmerising display of tinsel, baubles and glittering lights for decoration.

NEXT RELEASE: 3 March 2015

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